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What does the Bible say about taking care of parents?

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The Bible teaches that honoring parents includes loving, respecting, and, when needed, providing practical care for them, as an expression of obedience to God. Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:1-3 ground this duty in the command to honor father and mother. Paul says in 1 Timothy 5:4 and 5:8 that family members should repay their parents' care and provide for relatives rather than neglect them. Jesus rebuked those who used religious excuses to avoid supporting their parents in Matthew 15:4-6. Even from the cross, Christ entrusted His mother to John's care in John 19:26-27, showing compassionate provision. This calling is to be carried out with grace, wisdom, and faithfulness before the Lord.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 1 Timothy 5:8 9 votes

    But if anyone doesn't provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

  • 1 Timothy 5:4 8 votes

    But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to repay their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God.

  • Exodus 20:12 6 votes

    "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.

  • Proverbs 23:22 5 votes

    Listen to your father who gave you life, And don't despise your mother when she is old.

  • Ephesians 6:2 4 votes

    "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise:

  • Matthew 15:4-6 3 votes

    [4] For God commanded, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death.' [5] But you say, 'Whoever may tell his father or his mother, "Whatever help you might otherwise have gotten from me is a gift devoted to God," [6] he shall not honor his father or mother.' You have made the commandment of God void because of your tradition.

  • Ephesians 6:1-3 3 votes

    [1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2] "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise: [3] "that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth."

  • John 19:26-27 3 votes

    [26] Therefore when Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son!" [27] Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" From that hour, the disciple took her to his own home.

  • Proverbs 30:17 2 votes

    The eye that mocks at his father, And scorns obedience to his mother: The ravens of the valley shall pick it out, The young eagles shall eat it.

  • Ephesians 6:2-3 2 votes

    [2] "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise: [3] "that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth."

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